R Praggnanandhaa has begun the delicate touchdown in the direction of the World Cup chess title within the knockout format, drawing the second classical sport in opposition to world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen on Wednesday.
Although the Chennai boy has elevated his probabilities of profitable this match by taking it to Thursday’s tie-breaks, it will not be solely proper to count on a clean and profitable touchdown. Prag, although, is not quick on confidence, having already crushed world No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura, good friend Erigaisi Arjun and No. 2 Fabiano Caruana within the shorter format. That is half the battle gained, particularly in opposition to Carlsen, whom Prag has crushed 5 occasions in brief time controls.
However then, the stakes are larger right here. It is on a world stage with a high prize of $110,000.
Carlsen is hungry for this title. Neglect profitable it, he had by no means reached the ultimate of this event.
Carlsen is rated 2825 and 2887 in fast (15 to 25 minutes) and blitz (5-14 minute video games) respectively. Prag’s corresponding ranking energy is 2645 and 2623. Typically talking, a ranking distinction of 200 factors means distinction in ‘class’. Nonetheless, that’s extra relevant in commonplace time management. Plus, many video games of shorter time management do not come beneath the purview of FIDE‘s ranking calculation therefore scores cannot give a whole image.
AS IT HAPPENED: WORLD CUP FINAL GAME 2
Contemplating momentum and battle-readiness, Carlsen and Prag begin on equal footing. The knockout format, too, underlines that.
Since there’s not a lot ‘restoration’ and ‘regrouping’ chance as a consequence of paucity of time in shorter time controls, errors usually occur from each gamers. Combating spirit, nerve, potential to soak in strain play larger roles right here. And keep in mind that Carlsen is dominant and skilled, however Pragg is 14 years youthful.
The Indian followers can take the freedom to really feel that tie-breaks may be anyone’s sport. Nonetheless, one can’t overlook Carlsen’s credentials. Even in shorter time controls. He has gained 4 World Speedy title and 5 World Blitz crown. He’s the reigning champion in each codecs.
He was 9/9 throughout a blitz occasion in Zagreb, Croatia, final month the place he simply bulldozed the elite subject with a closing rating of 15/18, two full factors forward of the runner-up. Caruana had held Carlsen to 12 successive attracts within the 2018 World Championship. Carlsen annihilated him within the fast tie-breaks 3-0, while not having the fourth sport. Two years earlier, he humbled Sergey Karjakin for the world title by way of tie-breaks after drawing the final classical sport in simply 30 strikes. He later stated that he was assured of beating the Ukrainian within the fast portion and needed to preserve power.
The Norwegian has stated that he suffered from meals poisoning after the semifinals in Baku. He appeared low on power and focus within the first sport in opposition to Prag.
Carlsen has already relinquished his world title and has spoken brazenly in opposition to classical chess saying one does not get many playable positions in that format as a consequence of computer-aided preparation and therefore will get considerably bored because of the extreme principle. It’s clear that younger rivals and shorter time management excites him extra.
Now, he will get his probability on the massive stage. And Prag appears prepared for the problem after beating many stronger gamers in shorter time management.
Let’s make this clear although: the semifinalists from the World Cup, together with Prag, are two big steps away from touchdown on the moon (World Championship crown). They first should win the Candidates event scheduled in Canada subsequent April and can then get an opportunity to dethrone Ding Liren of China.
